Another beginner, Trying to figure out what type of bike...

[jonnythan]

After selling my 01 Kawasaki Eliminator 125, I'm looking at a 05 Yamaha Virago 250.

It's a gorgeous bike and I've always wanted a Virago 250. Since I still consider myself as a noob, I believe that I'll be happy with this bike. I'm a smaller rider, so I was looking for a bike with not too much power, not too big for me, I can flatfoot both feet (this was really important to me) and I love the V twin look.

Whatever your choice is, have fun and ride safe!

You might want to look at the Virago 535. It's about the size of the 250 but is actually capable of comfortable highway travel. It's very tame.

[PioneerUrban]

After selling my 01 Kawasaki Eliminator 125, I'm looking at a 05 Yamaha Virago 250.

It's a gorgeous bike and I've always wanted a Virago 250. Since I still consider myself as a noob, I believe that I'll be happy with this bike. I'm a smaller rider, so I was looking for a bike with not too much power, not too big for me, I can flatfoot both feet (this was really important to me) and I love the V twin look.

Whatever your choice is, have fun and ride safe!

You might want to look at the Virago 535. It's about the size of the 250 but is actually capable of comfortable highway travel. It's very tame.

I understand what you're saying and I really never gave it much thought of looking for a 535. Might be something to consider.

Thanks for the heads up about this bike.

[jstark47]

Pioneer- You sold one of the matching Eliminators? Somehow I didn't think you would. Congrats on going ahead and letting it go.

You might want to PM forum member NightNurse about the Virago 535, she has one.

Another option might be the Suzuki Savage or Boulevard S40 (essentially the same bike.) This is a basically a 250cc size frame with a 650cc engine. Don't be alarmed at 650cc, it's not a throbbing beast. Basically it just gives you a little bit more oomph than a 250, but still in a package of modest size and weight.

[PioneerUrban]

jstark47 ~

I sold both of them to the same buyer. She and her husband is wanting to learn how to ride, so both of them went. Got $2500 for both, that's $300 more than what I paid for them. My wife and I had them for 3 years! LOL!

So, I have $2500 for a new to me bike. That's why I'm so interested in this Virago 250. She's wanting $2400 for it, but I think I can get it for $2000.

That would leave me some extra for some Draggin Jeans, a new leather jacket and a new full face helmet. I already have some boots and gloves.

The bike is black, but I'd like to have a yellow leather jacket and a yellow helmet, for visibility.

[NightNurse]

I love my Virago 535! Its a great first bike, and you can get a used one for fairly cheap. Sit on one, you may feel a bit to tall for it - but try it anyway! They are fun bikes !

[jstark47]

Speakin of the devil......

[PioneerUrban]

Used Virago's don't come up in my area often and I don't want to buy a new one, until I become a better rider.

The lady who owns the one that I'm looking at is out of town for the holiday. I'll look in the Bulletin Board (weekly classifieds) and if I don't see a 535, I'll probably go with this 250.

Thanks again!

[PioneerUrban]

NightNurse,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you mentioned that the 535 was your first bike?

You are completely satisfied with it?

Thanks!

[Kal]

I'm most interested in a Cruiser style of bike, but I'm sensible enough to know that I'm most likely going to atleast drop my first bike a time or two so I'm not looking to buy a gem.

My driving habits consist of probably about 25% state highways(55-65mph) and 75% in-city driving. I'm 6'1" and about 220lbs, I'm thinking a 250cc is probably a bit too small for me and wouldn't meet my needs? But then again I don't want some 1500cc power horse. I was thinking maybe something along the lines of 500-750cc's? Hopefully this would be enough power to get me around, enough weight to be safe on the freeway, but not too much power for a beginning rider. I'm not really particular about makes and models..

Any advice anyone can offer would be much appreciated..

Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be plenty of beginner bikes out there for people under 5'10" but I'm not finding a lot of reviews or articles pointing towards bikes that are appropriate for the taller beginner?

I'm 6'4 and creeping up on 200lbs. I ride a 20 year old 250 without any problems. Most of my riding is in town but I do go for country blasts and use the motorways.

To be honest my currant bike is more suited to in town rather than motorway work because it is light for its class (I can lift it off of the ground) and it is an awesome tool allowing me to filter, beat cars away from the lights, use tight gaps and make really tight maneavours.

If this is going to be your main form of transport then I'd strongly suggest you pick up a 'naked' or 'standard' as your first bike. Something like the GS500 - these tend to be the do everything machines that will take plenty of abuse.

As a guideline if you are looking at a normal bike then go for something around 250-500cc but if you are buying into the cruiser market then you are probably good up to 800cc.

[Eahuntley]

After some investigation I've come up with a few bikes I'd like to investigate further. Here's my list so far

Virago 535
Suzuki S40
V-star 650
Magna
Shadow

A part of me is tempted to buy a bike before I take the MSF *IF* I were to find a deal I couldn't pass up... BUT I know myself, and there's just no way I could keep myself off that bike before I took the MSF...

I've always been a bit of a safety geek, and you can bet I'll have every bit of gear bought before I buy a bike. Probably before I even take the MSF. And I'll definately be buying chaps as well... and atleast 1 modular helmet and 1 half helmet.

I can't see myself buying a sportbike.. I'm just not a very sporty kind of guy. Hell, I typically drive the speed limit or even under.

While I will be eventually using this bike as my main commuter, I don't drive horrible far.. I work about 6 miles away, and 5 of those miles are on the freeway. That's really my furthest drive normally.. I also can't really put saddlebags etc.. on a standard/sportbike (Can I?) and for work I need to be carrying some things that I would rather not carry in a backpack..

My main concern with owning a light bike is I dont want to be blown around like a leaf on the freeway every time a truck gos buy me....